World News: Libya - Libya truck bomb targets police recruits in Zliten, 50 feared killed

At least 50 people have been killed by a truck bomb targeting a police training centre in the western Libyan city of Zliten, reports say.

Media in Libya said the attack struck the al-Jahfal training camp.

The training centre had been a military base during the rule of ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Libya has been hit by instability since his overthrow in 2011, and there is concern Islamic State (IS) militants are gaining a foothold there.

The country has been run by two governments - only one of which is recognised by the international community.

The Lana news agency, run by the internationally recognised government, said at least 50 people were killed and 127 injured in the blast, which was reportedly heard 60km (40 miles) away in Misrata.

It is being reported that it was a water truck rigged with explosives which caused the bombing

Urgent calls for blood donations are being made to Zliten residents, the Lana news agency reports.

Residents in Zliten have told the BBC that dozens of people are being transferred to a hospital in the capital, Tripoli, as the hospital in Zliten is struggling to cope with the casualties.

'Suicide attack'

BBC' reports that no-one has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but there have been reports in recent months that IS affiliates are operating in that area.

The UN Special Representative to Libya, Martin Kobler, said that the blast was a suicide attack.

Libyan media said hundreds of recruits were outside performing morning exercises when the centre was targeted.

Libya's al-Naba television network quoted the ministry of health of the rival rebel-led government as saying that a state of emergency had been declared, allowing hospitals in Tripoli and Misrata to receive the wounded.

In December, the country's rival politicians signed a UN-brokered deal to form a unity government, but that has not yet been implemented.

Drop your comments: Post your comments below,  and chose your sign in format like google account with gmail. Alternatively if you dont want to sign in, you can choose the name/url or open ID option amid other formats of contribution. Comments reward for signed in contributors would be coming soon this 2016. The race starts now.

Follow Joshua Osagie on facebook Global audience / facebook Nigerian audience  / facebook personal account /  facebook  (fan page)/    and  twitter

ADVERTISE WITH THE FOREFRONT: +234-803-698-6103. For more details CLICK HERE NOW

Excellent online shopping of numerous items (electricals, electronics, computers, tablets, phones, wears, etc) with Konga Nigeria. Ease yourself the stress of conveyance get your item(s) delivered to you at your doorstep. Shop with them; check them out here>>> KONGA